The Sixer Sense
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Fultz benefiting from playoff success

By Davis Carbaugh

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Markelle Fultz is gaining experience during the Philadelphia 76ers’ playoff run.

Although Markelle Fultz only played for a minimal 23 minutes in the five-game series against the Miami Heat, this playoff run is huge for his young career.

Fultz took the league by storm at the end of the season after missing 68 games. In the last game of the season against Milwaukee, he even became the youngest player ever to tally a triple-double.

Despite the performance of Fultz, it is evident that Brett Brown is leaning on T.J. McConnell to carry the role of the backup point guard position for the Philadelphia 76ers. Fultz has sat out the last two games of the Miami series and it appears he may be done playing this season. In perspective, McConnell brings consistency and leadership to the backup spot and is well respected by his teammates.

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What about Fultz?

Contrary to what it may imply, Fultz’s benching is probably the best thing for his career at this point. Fultz is now experiencing the ups and downs of the NBA playoffs while not having the pressure of a contributing player yet.

The University of Washington product is getting a first-hand view of the wear and tear of a seven-game series and traveling with the team into opposing home courts. Some forget that Markelle Fultz is still just 19 years old, but his potential is through the roof.

This experience with a team that is competing at the highest level in the NBA playoffs will prove crucial for the young guard as he grows in his career.

Culture

The “Post-Process,” Brett Brown culture amongst this 76ers team is perfect for a young player trying to learn the NBA. Any time the camera flashes to the Sixers bench after a big play, it’s always Fultz celebrating with T.J. McConnell, Justin Anderson and other role players.

I like to think that Brett Brown is responsible for creating a culture where a prospect who was on the edge of becoming a bust could begin his career at his own pace. Being around other young players on a team that has nothing to lose will be completely beneficial to Fultz in the years to come.

Outlook

Moving forward, it will all depend on matchups and Brown’s confidence in Fultz as to whether or not he plays. Seeing as every game from here on out is do-or-die, it is questionable if we will see Fultz at all.

If Markelle Fultz sits out the remainder of the playoffs, no harm is done to his game; if Fultz plays a few minutes, he can possibly provide a spark off the bench. Either way, it’s a win-win for the Sixers in the long run.

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Even though most Philadelphia 76ers fans are, for good reasons, focusing on the current picture for this team, Fultz is one worth waiting for. The experience he gains from being a part of this year’s playoff run will transfer into a better, more experienced Markelle Fultz joining the lineup next season.